10887933

Device-To-Device Communication Method, Terminal Device, and Network Device

PublishedJanuary 5, 2021
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
InventorsBin FENG
Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
17 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A Device-to-Device (D2D) communication method, comprising: sending, by a first terminal, a first message to a network device, wherein the first message is configured to request acquisition of attribute information of a second terminal, and comprises an identifier of the second terminal and a requested content; receiving, by the first terminal, a second message sent by the network device, wherein the second message is configured to indicate the attribute information of the second terminal; and performing, by the first terminal, data transmission with the second terminal on the basis of the attribute information of the second terminal, wherein performing, by the first terminal, the data transmission with the second terminal on the basis of the attribute information of the second terminal further comprises: performing, by the first terminal, the data transmission with the second terminal on the basis of first capability information of the second terminal, wherein the first capability information comprises at least one of a maximum receiving bandwidth, a maximum sending bandwidth, a maximum data block size that can be sent, a maximum data block size that can be received, a number of transmit antennas or a number of receive antennas of the second terminal during data transmission with the first terminal.

Plain English Translation

In wireless communication systems, Device-to-Device (D2D) communication enables direct data exchange between terminals without relying on a central network infrastructure. However, efficient D2D communication requires knowledge of the receiving terminal's capabilities to optimize transmission parameters. A method addresses this by allowing a first terminal to request and obtain attribute information of a second terminal from a network device. The first terminal sends a message to the network device, specifying the second terminal's identifier and the requested attribute details. The network device responds with a message containing the second terminal's attribute information, which includes capability parameters such as maximum receiving and sending bandwidths, maximum data block sizes for transmission and reception, and the number of transmit and receive antennas. The first terminal then uses this information to perform optimized data transmission with the second terminal, ensuring efficient and reliable communication. This approach enhances D2D communication by dynamically adapting transmission settings based on the receiving terminal's capabilities, improving performance and resource utilization.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the attribute information of the second terminal is the first capability information, and the first capability information is capability information of the second terminal to communicate with the first terminal.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to communication systems where a first terminal needs to determine the communication capabilities of a second terminal before establishing a connection. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and accurate exchange of capability information between terminals to ensure compatible communication without unnecessary delays or errors. The method involves the first terminal receiving attribute information from the second terminal, where this attribute information specifically includes the second terminal's capability to communicate with the first terminal. This capability information may include details such as supported protocols, bandwidth, encoding formats, or other technical specifications required for successful communication. By obtaining this information upfront, the first terminal can assess compatibility and configure its own settings accordingly, avoiding mismatches or failed connections. The method may also involve the first terminal using this capability information to adjust its own communication parameters, such as selecting an appropriate protocol or adjusting data transmission rates, to ensure seamless interaction with the second terminal. This preemptive exchange of capability data improves efficiency and reliability in communication systems, particularly in scenarios where terminals may have varying capabilities or configurations. The approach is applicable to wired or wireless networks, including but not limited to mobile devices, IoT systems, or other interconnected devices.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the attribute information of the second terminal is second capability information, and the second capability information is capability information of the second terminal to communicate with the network device, and the method further comprises: before performing, by the first terminal, the data transmission with the second terminal on the basis of first capability information of the second terminal, determining, by the first terminal, the first capability information on the basis of the second capability information, wherein the first capability information is capability information of the second terminal to communicate with the first terminal.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically addressing the challenge of optimizing data transmission between terminals with different communication capabilities. The method involves a first terminal communicating with a second terminal, where the second terminal's capability to communicate with a network device (second capability information) is known. Before data transmission begins, the first terminal determines the second terminal's capability to communicate directly with the first terminal (first capability information) based on the second capability information. This ensures that data transmission is performed using the most efficient and compatible communication parameters between the two terminals, improving reliability and performance. The method dynamically adjusts communication settings to account for differences in terminal capabilities, enabling seamless and optimized data exchange in heterogeneous networks. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where terminals have varying hardware or software configurations, ensuring interoperability and efficient resource utilization.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein sending, by the first terminal, the first message to the network device comprises: sending, by the first terminal, an uplink Radio Resource Control (RRC) message to a base station, wherein the uplink RRC message is configured to request acquisition of the attribute information of the second terminal; and receiving, by the first terminal, the second message sent by the network device comprises: receiving, by the first terminal, a downlink RRC message sent by the base station, wherein the downlink RRC message is configured to indicate the attribute information of the second terminal.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to a method for a first terminal to acquire attribute information of a second terminal via a network device. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and reliable exchange of terminal attribute information in a wireless network, such as device capabilities, identities, or status, to support services like device-to-device communication, handover, or resource allocation. The method involves a first terminal sending an uplink Radio Resource Control (RRC) message to a base station to request attribute information of a second terminal. The uplink RRC message is specifically configured to request this information. The base station processes the request and sends a downlink RRC message to the first terminal, which includes the requested attribute information of the second terminal. This exchange ensures that the first terminal can obtain the necessary details about the second terminal without direct communication, leveraging the network infrastructure for reliability and efficiency. The method may be part of a broader system where terminals and network devices interact to manage communication sessions, optimize resource usage, or enable advanced services. The use of RRC messaging ensures compatibility with existing wireless standards while enabling dynamic information exchange.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein sending, by the first terminal, the first message to the network device comprises: sending, by the first terminal, an uplink Non-Access Stratum (NAS) message to a Mobility Management Entity (MME), wherein the uplink NAS message is configured to request acquisition of the attribute information of the second terminal; and receiving, by the first terminal, the second message sent by the network device comprises: receiving, by the first terminal, a downlink RRC message sent by the MME, wherein the downlink RRC message is configured to indicate the attribute information of the second terminal.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for a first terminal to acquire attribute information of a second terminal via network signaling. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and secure exchange of terminal attributes, such as capabilities or identities, between devices in a cellular network without direct peer-to-peer communication. The method involves a first terminal sending an uplink Non-Access Stratum (NAS) message to a Mobility Management Entity (MME) to request attribute information of a second terminal. The MME processes this request and retrieves the relevant attribute information, which may include device capabilities, subscription details, or other identifiers. The MME then sends a downlink Radio Resource Control (RRC) message to the first terminal, containing the requested attribute information of the second terminal. This approach leverages existing network infrastructure to facilitate secure and reliable attribute exchange, avoiding the need for direct communication between the terminals. The solution is particularly useful in scenarios where terminals need to coordinate operations or services based on each other's attributes, such as in device-to-device (D2D) communication or proximity services. The method ensures that attribute information is transmitted efficiently and securely through the core network.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein a radio frequency bandwidth supported by the second terminal is less than or equal to 1.4 MHZ.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically addressing bandwidth limitations in terminals operating within a network. The problem being solved involves optimizing communication between a first terminal and a second terminal where the second terminal has a restricted radio frequency bandwidth, specifically 1.4 MHz or less. The method involves the first terminal transmitting a signal to the second terminal, where the signal includes a bandwidth indicator that specifies the supported bandwidth of the second terminal. This indicator allows the first terminal to adjust its transmission parameters, such as modulation scheme or data rate, to ensure compatibility with the second terminal's limited bandwidth. The method also includes the first terminal receiving a response from the second terminal, confirming the successful transmission and reception of the signal. The invention ensures efficient communication by dynamically adapting to the bandwidth constraints of the second terminal, preventing data loss or transmission failures due to mismatched bandwidth capabilities. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where legacy or low-capability devices must interoperate with more advanced terminals in a shared network environment.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. A Device-to-Device (D2D) communication method, comprising: receiving, by a network device, a first message from a first terminal, wherein the first message is configured to request acquisition of attribute information of a second terminal, and comprises an identifier of the second terminal and a requested content; acquiring, by the network device, the attribute information of the second terminal according to the first message; and sending, by the network device, a second message to the first terminal, wherein the second message is configured to indicate the attribute information of the second terminal according to which the first terminal sends data to the second terminal, wherein the first terminal performs data transmission with the second terminal on the basis of first capability information of the second terminal, the first capability information comprises at least one of a maximum receiving bandwidth, a maximum sending bandwidth, a maximum data block size that can be sent, a maximum data block size that can be received, a number of transmit antennas or a number of receive antennas of the second terminal during data transmission with the first terminal.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to Device-to-Device (D2D) communication systems, addressing the challenge of efficiently exchanging terminal attribute information to optimize direct data transmission between devices. The method involves a network device facilitating the acquisition and sharing of capability information between two terminals to enhance communication efficiency. A first terminal sends a request message to a network device, specifying a second terminal and the desired attribute information, such as communication capabilities. The network device retrieves the requested attributes of the second terminal, which may include maximum receiving and sending bandwidths, maximum data block sizes for transmission and reception, and the number of transmit and receive antennas. The network device then sends this attribute information back to the first terminal. Using this data, the first terminal adjusts its data transmission parameters to match the second terminal's capabilities, ensuring optimal performance during direct D2D communication. This approach reduces inefficiencies by allowing terminals to tailor their transmission settings based on the recipient's actual capabilities, improving throughput and reliability in D2D networks.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The method according to claim 7 , wherein the attribute information of the second terminal is the first capability information, and the first capability information is capability information of the second terminal to communicate with the first terminal.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving inter-terminal communication by dynamically sharing capability information. The problem addressed is the inefficiency in communication between terminals when one terminal lacks knowledge of the other's capabilities, leading to suboptimal performance or failed connections. The method involves a first terminal receiving attribute information from a second terminal, where the attribute information includes the second terminal's capability to communicate with the first terminal. This capability information may include supported protocols, bandwidth, latency, or other technical specifications that define how the terminals can interact. By exchanging this data, the first terminal can adjust its communication parameters to match the second terminal's capabilities, ensuring seamless and efficient data transfer. The process may involve the second terminal actively transmitting its capability information or the first terminal querying it. Once received, the first terminal processes this data to determine the optimal communication settings, such as modulation schemes, data rates, or error correction methods. This dynamic adaptation prevents mismatches that could degrade performance or cause connection failures. The solution is particularly useful in heterogeneous networks where terminals with varying capabilities interact, such as IoT devices, smartphones, or wearable technology. By ensuring both terminals are aware of each other's limitations and strengths, the system maximizes efficiency and reliability in data exchange.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The method according to claim 7 , wherein the attribute information of the second terminal is second capability information, and the second capability information is capability information of the second terminal to communicate with the network device.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving communication efficiency between terminals and network devices. The problem addressed is the need for accurate and dynamic assessment of terminal capabilities to optimize network resource allocation and service delivery. The method involves a first terminal receiving attribute information from a second terminal, where this attribute information is second capability information. The second capability information specifies the second terminal's ability to communicate with a network device, such as supported protocols, bandwidth, or signal processing capabilities. The first terminal then transmits this second capability information to the network device, enabling the network to adapt its communication parameters accordingly. This ensures efficient resource utilization and reliable service provision based on the second terminal's actual capabilities. The method may also include the first terminal receiving first capability information from the network device, which describes the network device's communication capabilities. The first terminal can then transmit this first capability information to the second terminal, allowing the second terminal to adjust its communication behavior. This bidirectional exchange of capability information ensures both terminals and the network device operate optimally, reducing latency and improving overall system performance. The method is particularly useful in scenarios where terminals with varying capabilities interact with the network, such as in heterogeneous wireless networks or IoT environments.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The method according to claim 7 , wherein the network device is a base station; receiving, by the network device, the first message sent by the first terminal comprises: receiving, by the base station, an uplink Radio Resource Control (RRC) message sent by the first terminal, wherein the uplink RRC message is configured to request acquisition of the attribute information of the second terminal; acquiring, by the network device, the attribute information of the second terminal comprises: acquiring locally stored attribute information of the second terminal, or requesting a Mobility Management Entity (MME) for the attribute information of the second terminal; and sending, by the network device, the second message to the second terminal comprises: sending, by the base station, a downlink RRC message to the first terminal, wherein the downlink RRC message is configured to indicate the attribute information of the second terminal.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for exchanging terminal attribute information between a base station and terminals in a cellular network. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and secure transmission of attribute information, such as device capabilities or identity, between terminals and network devices to support services like device-to-device (D2D) communication or proximity services. The method involves a base station receiving an uplink Radio Resource Control (RRC) message from a first terminal, where the message requests attribute information of a second terminal. The base station then acquires this information either from its local storage or by requesting it from a Mobility Management Entity (MME). Once obtained, the base station sends a downlink RRC message to the first terminal, containing the attribute information of the second terminal. This allows the first terminal to obtain the necessary details about the second terminal without direct communication, improving efficiency and reducing signaling overhead in the network. The method ensures secure and reliable transmission of terminal attributes, supporting advanced communication features in cellular networks.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The method according to claim 7 , wherein the network device is an MME; receiving, by the network device, the first message sent by the first terminal comprises: receiving, by the MME, an uplink Non-Access Stratum (NAS) message sent by the first terminal, wherein the uplink NAS message is configured to request acquisition of the attribute information of the second terminal; acquiring, by the network device, the attribute information of the second terminal comprises: acquiring locally stored attribute information of the second terminal, or requesting a NAS for the attribute information of the second terminal; and sending, by the network device, the second message to the second terminal comprises: sending, by the MME, a downlink NAS message to the first terminal, wherein the downlink NAS message is configured to indicate the attribute information of the second terminal.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a method for exchanging attribute information between terminals in a mobile communication network, specifically involving a Mobility Management Entity (MME) as the network device. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and secure transmission of attribute information, such as device capabilities or user preferences, between terminals in a network. The method involves an MME receiving an uplink Non-Access Stratum (NAS) message from a first terminal, where the message requests the attribute information of a second terminal. The MME then retrieves the attribute information either from its local storage or by querying a Network Attachment Subsystem (NAS). Once obtained, the MME sends a downlink NAS message to the first terminal, containing the requested attribute information of the second terminal. This ensures that the information is securely transmitted within the NAS layer, maintaining privacy and integrity. The method enables terminals to share relevant attribute information without direct communication, leveraging the MME's role in managing mobility and session management. This is particularly useful in scenarios where terminals need to exchange configuration data or capabilities before establishing a connection or service. The approach ensures that the information exchange is standardized and compatible with existing NAS protocols.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. A terminal, comprising: a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored on the memory and capable of running on the processor, wherein the computer program, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to execute operations comprising: sending a first message to a network device, wherein the first message is configured to request acquisition of attribute information of a second terminal, and comprises an identifier of the second terminal and a requested content; receiving a second message sent by the network device, wherein the second message is configured to indicate the attribute information of the second terminal; and performing Device-to-Device (D2D) communication with the second terminal on the basis of the attribute information of the second terminal, wherein performing, by the first terminal, the data transmission with the second terminal on the basis of the attribute information of the second terminal further comprises: performing, by the first terminal, the data transmission with the second terminal on the basis of first capability information of the second terminal, wherein the first capability information comprises at least one of a maximum receiving bandwidth, a maximum sending bandwidth, a maximum data block size that can be sent, a maximum data block size that can be received, a number of transmit antennas or a number of receive antennas of the second terminal during data transmission with the first terminal.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving Device-to-Device (D2D) communication by enabling a first terminal to efficiently acquire and utilize attribute information of a second terminal before establishing a direct data link. The problem addressed is the lack of prior knowledge about a peer device's capabilities, which can lead to inefficient or failed D2D communication attempts. The system includes a first terminal with a processor and memory storing a computer program. The program causes the terminal to send a request message to a network device, identifying a second terminal and specifying the desired attribute information. The network device responds with the requested details, which include the second terminal's communication capabilities such as maximum receive and transmit bandwidths, supported data block sizes, and antenna configurations. Using this information, the first terminal optimizes D2D communication parameters to match the second terminal's capabilities, ensuring efficient data transmission. This approach avoids trial-and-error adjustments and reduces connection setup time while maximizing throughput. The solution is particularly useful in scenarios where devices with varying hardware specifications need to communicate directly without prior configuration.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The terminal according to claim 12 , wherein the attribute information of the second terminal is the first capability information, and the first capability information is capability information of the second terminal to communicate with the first terminal.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving communication efficiency between terminals by exchanging capability information. The problem addressed is the lack of awareness between devices about each other's communication capabilities, leading to inefficient or failed connections. The solution involves a first terminal receiving attribute information from a second terminal, where this attribute information includes the second terminal's capability to communicate with the first terminal. This capability information may include supported protocols, bandwidth, frequency bands, or other technical specifications that define how the two terminals can interact. By sharing this information, the first terminal can optimize its communication settings to ensure compatibility and efficiency. The system may also involve the first terminal transmitting its own capability information to the second terminal, enabling bidirectional optimization. This exchange allows devices to dynamically adjust parameters like transmission power, modulation schemes, or data rates based on mutual capabilities, improving reliability and performance in diverse network environments. The invention is particularly useful in scenarios where devices with varying capabilities need to establish connections, such as in IoT networks or heterogeneous wireless systems.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The terminal according to claim 12 , wherein the attribute information of the second terminal is second capability information, and the second capability information is capability information of the second terminal to communicate with the network device, and the processor is specifically configured to: determine first capability information on the basis of the second capability information, wherein the first capability information is capability information of the second terminal to communicate with the first terminal.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving communication efficiency between terminals by dynamically determining capability information. The problem addressed is the need for accurate and efficient capability exchange between devices to optimize communication performance in heterogeneous networks. The invention involves a terminal that receives attribute information from a second terminal, where this attribute information includes second capability information. The second capability information describes the second terminal's ability to communicate with a network device. The terminal then processes this information to determine first capability information, which describes the second terminal's ability to communicate directly with the first terminal. This allows the first terminal to adapt its communication parameters based on the second terminal's capabilities, improving data transfer efficiency and reducing unnecessary signaling overhead. The solution enables dynamic adjustment of communication settings between terminals, ensuring optimal performance in scenarios where direct communication is required. By leveraging existing capability information from network interactions, the system avoids redundant exchanges of capability data, enhancing overall network efficiency. This approach is particularly useful in environments with diverse device capabilities, such as IoT networks or multi-device wireless systems.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The terminal according to claim 12 , wherein the processor is specifically configured to: send an uplink Radio Resource Control (RRC) message to a base station, wherein the uplink RRC message is configured to request acquisition of the attribute information of the second terminal; and the processor is specifically configured to receive a downlink RRC message sent by the base station, wherein the downlink RRC message is configured to indicate the attribute information of the second terminal.

Plain English Translation

A wireless communication terminal includes a processor configured to exchange Radio Resource Control (RRC) messages with a base station to obtain attribute information of another terminal. The terminal sends an uplink RRC message to the base station, requesting the attribute information of the second terminal. The base station processes this request and sends a downlink RRC message containing the requested attribute information. The attribute information may include details such as device capabilities, supported features, or other relevant parameters of the second terminal. This exchange allows the first terminal to adapt its communication behavior based on the second terminal's attributes, improving inter-terminal coordination and efficiency in wireless networks. The system operates within a cellular network environment where terminals communicate with a base station to manage resource allocation and optimize performance. The solution addresses the need for terminals to dynamically obtain and utilize attribute information of other devices to enhance communication reliability and efficiency.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The terminal according to claim 12 , wherein the processor is specifically configured to: send an uplink Non-Access Stratum (NAS) message to a Mobility Management Entity (MME), wherein the uplink NAS message is configured to request acquisition of the attribute information of the second terminal; and the processor is specifically configured to: receive a downlink RRC message sent by the MME, wherein the downlink RRC message is configured to indicate the attribute information of the second terminal.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to a terminal device configured to request and receive attribute information about another terminal device from a network entity. The problem addressed is the need for a terminal to obtain specific details about another terminal, such as its capabilities or status, to facilitate communication or service coordination. The terminal includes a processor that sends an uplink Non-Access Stratum (NAS) message to a Mobility Management Entity (MME). This message requests the attribute information of a second terminal, which may include details like supported features, current status, or other relevant data. The MME processes this request and retrieves the requested information, then sends a downlink Radio Resource Control (RRC) message back to the terminal. This downlink message contains the attribute information of the second terminal, allowing the first terminal to use this data for further operations, such as optimizing communication or adjusting service parameters. The system ensures efficient information exchange between terminals via the MME, reducing the need for direct signaling between devices and leveraging existing network infrastructure. This approach improves inter-terminal coordination while maintaining network efficiency.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The terminal according to claim 12 , wherein a radio frequency bandwidth supported by the second terminal is less than or equal to 1.4 MHZ.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically addressing challenges in device compatibility and bandwidth management. The technology involves a terminal device designed to communicate with another terminal that has limited radio frequency bandwidth capabilities. The primary problem solved is ensuring reliable communication between devices with differing bandwidth support, particularly when the second terminal can only handle a bandwidth of 1.4 MHz or less. The system includes a first terminal that adjusts its communication parameters to accommodate the second terminal's constraints, ensuring interoperability without requiring the second terminal to upgrade its hardware. This is achieved through dynamic bandwidth allocation and protocol adaptation, allowing seamless data exchange while maintaining performance and efficiency. The solution is particularly useful in scenarios where legacy devices or low-capability terminals must interact with more advanced systems, such as in IoT networks or heterogeneous wireless environments. The invention ensures backward compatibility and efficient resource utilization, addressing a common issue in modern wireless communication systems where devices with varying capabilities coexist.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

January 5, 2021

Inventors

Bin FENG

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